Construction of an ice village began in the Austrian Alps. The village made of snow and ice shall be opened near the mountain-ski resort Kitzbuhel in the beginning of the next year. It shall be meant for 25 guests.
The German Benno Raitbauer came up with the idea of building houses of ice after visiting Finland, where he happened to spend a night in an icy marquee-igloo. An experimental village appeared in the Austrian Alps four years ago, and last year, according to the architect, overnight stops in icy houses on the height of 1700 meters came into fashion. Last year witnessed construction of four such villages. Twelve people take part in construction. Balloons are put round by pieces of ice, and then the air is let out. In the village, situated near the fashionable resort Kitzbuhel, guests shall sleep in sleeping-bags on ice beds covered with deer skins. According to the architect, the temperature in “igloo” is pleasant, and to feel comfortable at night it is enough to put on pajamas. The guests are disturbed not so much by cold, rather than by silence, especially if they come from big cities. The ice village shall also have a restaurant, a rest area, a miniature church and an icy tent for children’s play. Founder of the village admits that not everyone can afford staying in an ice house. “The adventure is worth the money you spend on it”, he says.
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